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Josh Kelley's Third Album, "Just Say The Word," To Be Released On Oct. 10; Download A Free MP3!

October 4th, 2006 1:26pm EDT

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Singer-songwriter Josh Kelley is eager to announce the October 10th release of his third album, "Just Say the Word." Entirely written, produced and performed by Kelley, "Just Say the Word" demonstrates an eclectic range of the artist's recent musical and personal evolution: "I often heard people say that sometimes you just wake up in life and realize that you want to be better - well, that's what happened to me about one year ago. I became a better guitar player, drummer, piano player, bass player, singer and songwriter. I found a new love in my life and an extra spark to my passion for music. "Just Say the Word" is a direct reflection of my growth. I had a vision for this record and finally there was only one cook in the kitchen."

Kelley has independently partnered with manager Debbie Wilson of Wilspro Management to market and distribute the new material in a unique way. On June 6th, the album made a very successful pre-release launch on iTunes that lifted Kelley to the #1 position among all iTunes folk artists. On June 13th, "Just Say the Word" boasted a #27 position on iTunes Top Albums. In addition, a series of headlining club dates kicked off on May 28th in Las Vegas at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino and Kelley will continue to tour throughout 2006 in support of the album. "This is my rebirth," Kelley noted, "I am ready to explore new and different ways of getting my music out there and go to the next level."

"Almost Honest," Kelley's last release, received wide acclaim from critics. Entertainment Weekly praised the CD for being "soulful, folk-informed, and unflaggingly melodic." People Magazine called Kelley, "the real deal, a genuine talent who brings sincere emotion to his straight-forward pop rock." And, Good Morning America dubbed Kelley "a breakthrough artist." The CD topped the Billboard New Artist Chart upon release and had been on the iTunes home page for several weeks.

The title track, "Just Say the Word", is a song that deals with the frustrations and memories of past love and also features an encore at the end of the album. Josh speaks about the track: "Just Say the Word" is a last attempt at letting a past lover know that they are not forgotten, and that they are still loved and safe in friendship, even though it's time to make the next step in the direction of moving on with your life. I chose an encore for the song, because I love the track and the way it makes me feel, and because a lot of my favorite albums have an encore that bookends the record. It's a message that just needed to be revisited. And what better way to engrave the title track message than to have an encore."

Just as "Almost Home" presented so many different musical styles, "Just Say the Word" continues to establish Kelley's wide range of musical ability and tastes. The listener can enjoy the soulful and deep "How the Story Goes" to a stripped down, almost bluegrass "Bound to Keep Movin'" to the pop-driven "Pop Game." Whatever the situation, Kelley proves with "Just Say the Word" that he is committed to stretching himself creatively in order to present a varied array of musical and personal expression: "I believe a great artist is an eternal student. Most of the songs on the record were inspired from sights and sounds that I had heard when traveling the world for the last 2 years. Keeping my eyes and mind open to all facets of information kept me constantly inspired with new ideas and a reinvented perception of life and love. People will say that you can never stretch yourself too far, but I think that's ridiculous. There is a certain point in stretching yourself creatively where you lose the reason you got into it in the first place. I've overstretched myself on multiple occasions - alienating my friends, family and lovers from my life. Now, if I want to have something to write about, I try to live true."

Kelley broke through in 2001 on Hollywood Records with "For The Ride Home," an album that showcased his no-nonsense expressiveness and disarmingly genuine delivery. These qualities were exemplified in the top five smash "Amazing," and follow-up top ten hit "Everybody Wants You." In early 2004, he left Oxford, Miss. for Los Angeles where he interacted with fellow songwriters and players, further refining his skills while determining where he wanted to take his music next. It all culminated with the sessions for his second Hollywood Records album, "Almost Honest."

Josh Kelley is also a RADD celebrity messenger. RADD is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that empowers celebrities and media partners to create positive attitudes about road safety. Founded in 1986, RADD advocates the use of designated drivers, seatbelts and safe driving through control behind the wheel, making responsible behavior the norm. RADD's messages are non-judgmental, hip and positive. RADD is a proud two-time recipient of the US Department of Transportation's prestigious Public Service Award.

Track Listing:
1. Opposite Of Me
2. Pop Game
3. Just Say The Word
4. Cain and Able
5. Lady Of Mine
6. How The Story Goes
7. Beautiful Goodbye
8. You Are A Part Of Everything
9. Fools Like Me
10. Mississippi River Girl
11. Bound to Keep movin
12. Just Say The Word (encore)

Here's a FREE MP3 (it's in a zip file) of Josh's "Just Say The Word," courtesy of Josh, Starpulse and Special Ops Media! Click the link to download:
http://www.specialopsmedia.com/assets/IconEMS/JoshKelley/BeautifulGoodbye.zip

(Streaming audio and/or video links may expire without notice)

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